Monday, August 29, 2016

Do You Own a Digital Scale?

I just had a discussion about whether a pattern should use a measurement or a yarn left weight when giving instructions. I've always gone with a measurement assuming that not everyone owns a scale. I'm being told however that it has become a standard part of a knitter's supplies. I'm thinking I may start putting both pieces of information in my patterns.

4 comments:

I do happen to own a scale but only because a while back I was making soap. I use it for knitting to weigh my finished items and record how much yarn I actually used. Helps if I ever want to make the pattern again or if I am insane enough to ever try to spin the yarn. Personally I still think the measurement/yardage is better information but giving both weight and measurement certainly can't hurt.~Marilyn

I have a scale, and it is an important element of my design tools! I do usually give information in measurements/length, but I figure those by weighing and mathing it out. Which do you actually prefer?

I own a scale but I also put in yardage because some people don't own a scale....then again, how does one calculate yardage without a scale without wrapping it around some sort of measurement tool (like a niddy-noddy)?

Yes, and I find it essential for sideways shawls where you increase until halfway through your yarn, so I know when to start decreasing. Also some patterns tell you to use percentages for planning, I.e. 30% for increase section, 30% for decrease, and 40% for border. The scale is by far the easiest way to check progress.

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email contact robinknits(AT)gmail(dot)com
I've been knitting my whole life. I don't even remember learning. I started making garments for myself in my teens and then explored sewing, tailoring and millinery. I want to teach knitters about fit and flattery and turn them into fashion stars!
On my blog you will find lots of interviews with knitting industry professionals, how to tutorials and a variety of posts about what's going on in the knitting world.
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